A Primary Care Visit Changed Everything

When Slippery Rock resident Art Campbell visited his primary care physician in June, he expected to leave with a prescription for antibiotics.

Instead, a careful evaluation by Robin Plank, DO, led to the discovery of a rare heart tumor and a surgery that addressed a potentially life-threatening condition.

It started with occasional lightheadedness and shortness of breath that seemed to come and go. Medication prescribed for an upper respiratory illness initially appeared to help, and Campbell thought the problem had resolved.

When the symptoms returned a few weeks later, however, he knew something wasn't right.

"Something just didn't feel right," Campbell said. "I knew I needed to get checked out."

The next day, he contacted his family's longtime primary care physician, Robin Plank, DO, at Slippery Rock Family Medicine.

After listening to his concerns and evaluating his symptoms, Dr. Plank suspected an underlying heart issue and arranged for cardiac testing at Butler Memorial Hospital.

That decision proved critical.

Testing revealed a large atrial myxoma, a rare, noncancerous tumor that develops inside the heart. Although benign, atrial myxomas can become life-threatening if left untreated because they can block blood flow and increase the risk of stroke.

Fortunately, Campbell was able to receive specialized cardiac care close to home. Within days of his diagnosis, the cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery teams at Butler Memorial Hospital coordinated a treatment plan and scheduled surgery.

"I was stunned," Campbell said. "If you gave me a million guesses, I never would have guessed it was a tumor in my heart."

As he processed the diagnosis, Dr. Plank called to follow up with him after reviewing the results with the cardiothoracic surgeon.

"She told me I was exactly where I needed to be and that the team taking care of me was outstanding," Campbell said. "That meant a lot. It gave me peace of mind when I needed it most."

Today, Campbell is recovering well and gradually returning to the activities he enjoys, including helping with the family business and getting back into an exercise routine, with plans to return to swimming soon.

"There are so many people at Independence Health System who played a role in my recovery," Campbell said. "I'm grateful to Dr. Plank, the cardiology team at Butler Memorial Hospital, and the nurses who cared for me throughout the process.”

Looking back, Campbell is glad that he listened to his body when something didn't feel right. The experience reinforced the importance of seeking care when something seems out of the ordinary.

"What started as a visit to my primary care doctor turned into something completely unexpected," Campbell said. "Because she took my symptoms seriously and acted quickly, they found a problem I didn't know I had. I'm thankful for that every day."

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